Saudi Arabia public holidays 2027 follow a familiar pattern. The country has only four public holidays a year, but they are long ones. For 2027, the calendar has two fixed national days, Founding Day and National Day, and the two Eids, which follow the Hijri calendar.
What most holiday lists do not explain is that the number of days off depends on where you work. Private sector employees get a set number of days under the Labour Law, while government employees usually get a much longer break. This guide covers both.
Quick answer: Founding Day is on Monday 22 February 2027, Eid Al Fitr is expected from Tuesday 9 March, Eid Al Adha from Arafat Day on Saturday 15 May, and National Day on Thursday 23 September. Eid dates are expected and will be confirmed by the Supreme Court’s moon-sighting announcements.
Saudi Arabia public holidays 2027: full list
| Holiday | Date in 2027 | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Day | Monday 22 February | Fixed |
| Eid Al Fitr (private sector, 4 days) | Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 March | Expected, depends on moon sighting |
| Eid Al Adha (private sector, 4 days) | Saturday 15 to Tuesday 18 May, starting with Arafat Day | Expected, depends on moon sighting |
| Saudi National Day | Thursday 23 September | Fixed |
Islamic holiday dates are expected, based on astronomical calculations, and will be updated when official announcements are made.
Read More: Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Update: All Visa Types Now Eligible for Umrah
Private sector vs government holidays
Under the executive regulations of the Saudi Labour Law, private sector workers get four days for Eid Al Fitr and four days for Eid Al Adha, the latter starting from Arafat Day. Founding Day and National Day are one day each. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development confirms the exact dates before each holiday.
Government employees usually get a longer Eid break. In recent years, the government Eid Al Fitr holiday has often started several days before the end of Ramadan and run into the following week. The 2027 government dates have not been announced yet.
Long weekends in Saudi Arabia in 2027
With a Friday and Saturday weekend, the 2027 holidays fall like this:
- Founding Day: Monday 22 February. Take Sunday 21 February as leave for a four-day weekend. It also falls in the middle of Ramadan.
- Eid Al Fitr: Tuesday to Friday, joining Saturday for five days off. Add Sunday 7 and Monday 8 March as leave for nine days.
- Eid Al Adha: Saturday to Tuesday, joining Friday 14 May for five days off.
- National Day: Thursday 23 September joins the weekend for a three-day break.
Read More: Ramadan 2027 Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Timetable and Founding Day in Ramadan
Pro Tip: If you plan to travel for Eid Al Adha, avoid Makkah and Madinah routes in the days around Hajj. Hajj traffic and access restrictions make travel in the region much harder that week.
Our Take
Saudi Arabia’s holiday list is short, but 2027 lands well. National Day on a Thursday gives an easy long weekend, both Eids join a weekend, and Founding Day gives a calm Ramadan break. Private sector employees should still check their contract, as some companies give more than the legal minimum.
FAQs
How many public holidays are there in Saudi Arabia in 2027?
There are four: Founding Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and National Day.
When is Saudi Founding Day 2027?
Founding Day is on Monday 22 February 2027.
When is Saudi National Day 2027?
National Day is on Thursday 23 September 2027.
How many Eid holidays do private sector employees get in Saudi Arabia?
Four days for Eid Al Fitr and four days for Eid Al Adha, under the Labour Law regulations.
When is Eid Al Fitr 2027 in Saudi Arabia?
Eid Al Fitr is expected on Tuesday 9 March 2027, subject to moon sighting.
